I am a big fan of Plantagenet Shiraz (although I like the Cabernet even better) but this wine has me confused. Don’t know quite what to make of it. Lots to like but a couple of things put me off. They may resolve with time. They may not. I may be right. I may be crazy..but it just may be a looooonatic you’re looking for…

Quite fragrant (is there a bit of whole bunch here?) with ripe dark cherry and blueberry fruit, pepper, grilled meat and chocolate and licorice emerging with air. On the palate quite thick and full with black fruits, grilled meats, pepper and spice and a dry tannic impact. It feels a bit brackish and alkaline but with biting acid that intrudes on the long spicy finish. Opened up and improved over the course of a day but the bite continued to dog the tail. Not quite sure on this, certainly plenty to like, and it could well be a dark horse but for now a cautious score.

Other vintages : 1999

Rated : 90+ Points
Tasted : Jan08
Alcohol : 14.5%
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2010 - 2015